Hollande and Sarkozy Go Through, But Le Pen Polls Strongly

By

Gabriele Parussini

Apr 22, 2012 2:36 pm EST

Zuma Press

National Front leader Marine Le Pen

French Socialist François Hollande came in ahead of President Nicolas Sarkozy in the first round of France’s presidential elections Sunday, setting up a complex struggle for the incumbent to attract enough support from across the French political spectrum to have a shot at reelection on May. 6.

Both men easily qualified for the second round, with Mr. Hollande garnering between 27-28% of the vote, according to pollsters, compared to 25% to 27% for Mr. Sarkozy. Turnout was strong at an estimated 80.3%, although below the exceptionally strong voter participation seen in 2007.

National Front leader Marine Le Pen came in third place, with a surprisingly strong showing of 19% to 20%, while Leftist Front leader Jean-Luc Melenchon garnered between 10% and 12%.

Ms. Le Pen’s performance suggests that Mr. Sarkozy has failed to attract far-right voters, despite his focus on law and order and his pledge to halve immigration if reelected for a second term.

The result underscores the deep disaffection with Mr. Sarkozy among French voters.